Lampard believes Sakamoto has earned a stronger case for more Coventry City chances

Lampard says Sakamoto's display against Newcastle has improved his prospects of more Coventry appearances, while stressing that places will still be earned on merit. The manager, however, insists that team selection must continue to be based on merit.

Sakamoto had been an unused substitute for three consecutive matches before returning to the field on Monday against Newcastle. He played the final 29 minutes of Coventry’s 4-1 win, bringing energy and determination on the right. The performance has given Lampard another decision to weigh up going forward.

The manager underlined the confidence he has in the player. “I know Tats really well and I love him as a player and as a person. He’s a dream to work with; I’ve said that many times. And he also offers a lot. He trains every day with a real hunger to get into the team,” Lampard said.

Managing places in the starting side is not easy, particularly when players who were regular starters in previous seasons are left out. Lampard acknowledged the personal difficulty involved: “Yeah, it is tough, and it’s very personally tougher if you have a heart, and hopefully I do, because it’s not something many jobs have.” He added that he feels it too when players are disappointed.

The league table adds further context to the selection question. In the Premier League, Newcastle are 11th with 8 points after six matches, while Coventry City are 14th with 6, leaving a two-point gap. Newcastle have two wins, two draws and two defeats, with 10 goals scored and 13 conceded. Coventry have also won twice, but have four defeats and no draws, scoring 5 and conceding 11.

Over their last five league matches, Newcastle have two wins, one draw and two defeats; Coventry have two wins and three defeats, with no draws. At home, Newcastle are unbeaten in three matches, with one win and two draws, while Coventry have one win and two losses at home. Away from home, both sides have one win and two defeats from three matches. Sakamoto’s impact gives Lampard another option to consider, but does not alter the principle he has set out: a place in the team has to be earned on the pitch.